| Abstract: | This editorial presents an overview of the articles contained in this issue of Gender and Development, addressing the key themes of globalization and diversity. The collection of articles recalls why the project of promoting gender-equitable development continues to be critical in the 21st century, identifies some key challenges confronting those working on gender development, and takes a brief look at some examples of innovative work. This collection begins with a group of articles examining economic, political, and social changes associated with globalization, and analyzing their positive and negative impacts on different men and women. The ways in which specific aspects of globalization affect gender relations and shape the choices and chances of men and women are traced. In particular, writers highlight the failure of governments and development agencies to challenge fully the false assumptions about the nature of the role of men and women in society upon which global activity is based. Drawing on insights from academic research and feedback from practitioners, the second group of articles presents the basic concepts and terminology used in gender and development work. Lastly, the third group of articles offers innovative case studies of current gender-sensitive development work. Emphasis is placed on topical issues, including acknowledgment of sexuality as a development issue, critique on the assumption of entrepreneurship as gender neutral, and the assertion of the need for mainstream institutions, including government and development funders to work with women's organizations. |
